“The Day” is the newest post-apocalyptic movie that is sure to become a cult hit. Post-apocalyptic films look at life after some disastrous event that destroys life as we know it. The films usually follow a group of survivors. Post-apocalyptic films are nothing new, but most of the famous ones aren’t the best. Here are some of the best, but least known, post-apocalyptic films of all time.
‘On The Beach’
On The Beach” is a book adaptation starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, and Fred Astaire. They are survivors living in Australia after nuclear fallout has destroyed the rest of the world. It is the story of their last days before the radiation reaches every corner of the Earth. It’s depressing, but worth watching. Read the book, too.
‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’
“Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a book adaptation and a collaborative effort between the U.S. and England. It seems impossible to make a movie based on Adams’ book, but the filmmakers really tried. While not perfect, it is a fun look at the words many people love. In the post-apocalyptic story, aliens destroy Earth to make room for a highway.
‘Serenity’
“Serenity” is the movie based on the beloved, but short-lived, TV show “Firefly.” Earth became too overpopulated to sustain life, and the inhabitants moved to a new star system to begin over. Since the two main superpowers are China and the United States, every planet or moon is a mix between the two cultures. It is not necessary to watch the show before the movie, but it certainly helps.
‘9’
In “9,” all human life is dead. Only machines survive as well as nine stuffed dolls that each holds one piece of the last human’s soul. These living dolls must stop the machines and maybe one day bring life back to Earth. The story is disjointed, but the CGI will mesmerize. This is not animation for children because some of the monsters are horrifying, but in a good way.
’12 Monkeys’
In “12 Monkeys,” much of the Earth’s population died out thanks to a virus. The main character travels back in time to try to stop the virus before it begins. “12 Monkeys” is one of the films you must watch several times before it makes any sense. Even then, it might not make complete sense. The film is more about memories and time travel than it is about post-apocalyptic life.
